The Jellybeans have a new class assignment – a book report. Bitsy’s thrilled, because this means she gets to take her friends to her favorite place in the whole WORLD – the library. Her friends, who love other things, aren’t quite so sure. In the end, the Jellybeans discover again how each of them brings different things to their friendship, and that’s what makes it so delightful.

Maybe I like this book because I can identify with Bitsy so well. A library is my favorite place to be – keep your sunbaked beaches and frigid mountain slopes, all I need are rows of books and a comfy chair. Somehow, many of my friends, even family, don’t quite get my obsession.

I like this book for all sorts of kids, too. For those who love books, it’s a great affirmation that they’re not the only ones who do. For those who don’t, it’s a wonderful way to expose them to the idea that the library has things to offer them, too. So the literacy advocate in me is quite happy.

As far as readability, The Jellybeans and the Book Bonanza passes the grade. The text is well done – though I confess to hoping for a bit more from Laura Numeroff (of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie fame) and the artwork is nice if you like candy-pastels. My daughter does, so this book passed her test as well. Overall, one worth reading more for the message than the delivery, but nice enough just the same.